WDBJ7 Roanoke News and Weather NRV Lynchburg Danville | UPDATED: Valentine concedes 23rd district race to Scott Garrett

UPDATED: Valentine concedes 23rd district race to Scott Garrett

Updated 4:00 p.m.

Shannon Valentine has conceded the 23rd District House of Delegates race to Republican Scott Garrett.

After canvassing, the final election tally showed Valentine picking up a net total of two votes in Lynchburg, which came from provisional ballots.

Below is a statement Valentine sent to News 7:

"I have called Scott Garrett to offer my congratulations. The Lynchburg electoral board and Amherst electoral board completed the canvass of the 23rd House of Delegates district this afternoon.  The change in results was minor from the original projection, and while the result is within the margin of calling for a recount, I have chosen not to pursue this avenue. 

I want to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the citizens of this district for the opportunity to serve.  I am very proud of our campaign, which was based on an honest discussion of the issues so important to Central Virginia.   I count my service in the House of Delegates as one of the greatest privileges of my life, and I will certainly continue to work within our community and our Commonwealth.

Thank you,
Shannon Valentine"

Original Story:

The outcome of the 23rd district House of Delegates race may hinge on the official vote tally provided by election officials.

Workers at the Lynchburg registrar's office are canvassing ballots from Tuesday's election.  The process includes counting provisional ballots and verifying the total number of ballots cast.  Officials say the process may take until 3:00 p.m. Wednesday to complete.

Republican Scott Garrett edged out Democratic Incumbent Shannon Valentine by 210 votes in the unofficial tally Tuesday night.  Valentine has said she will not concede or make a decision about a possible recount until the final vote tally is certified.